Much is said of the importance of several well-known minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, selenium and zinc for good health. But another important mineral, magnesium is often neglected and forgotten. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, found predominantly in the bones, muscles and nervous system. It is required for more than 300 different important bodily chemical reactions and is vital to health and wellness.
Medical research however shows that magnesium deficiencies may be widespread all over the world and may contribute to a long list of common disorders. Because only 1% of the body’s magnesium is found in the blood, it is difficult to detect magnesium deficiency by simple blood tests.
The high consumption of soft drinks, alcohol, animal fats and sugar depletes magnesium from the body and several prescription drugs like water tablets; some heart medications, antibiotics and steroids also increase magnesium loss. To make matters worse our modern water supply (including bottled water) is lacking in enough magnesium.
Conditions related to Magnesium Deficiency:
Angina, asthma, heart attacks, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, irregular heart beat, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, insomnia, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, seizures, poor concentration, migraines headaches, muscle cramps, spasms and weakness, kidney stones, premenstrual (PMS) symptoms, menstrual pain, sugar cravings and temper tantrums are just some of the conditions related to magnesium deficiency.
Epsom salts
Epsom salt is a mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulfate known to chemists as magnesium sulphate. It got its named from a natural salt spring at Epsom in Surrey, England and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for many ailments.
Both magnesium and sulfate are readily absorbed into the skin and this makes Epson salts very easy to use. Many of the chemical functions that are regulated by magnesium, reduce inflammation, benefit the circulation and improve muscle and nerve function. On the other hand sulfates improve the absorption of nutrients in the body while helping to flush out toxins. All the conditions listed above would benefits from Epsom salts, but let me highlight some.
Stress Relief
If you are stressed, you will have increased levels of stress hormones circulation while at the same time being deficient in magnesium. Epsom salt dissolved in warm water it is readily absorbed through the skin to naturally improve the body’s magnesium reserves. This magnesium helps the body produce the anti stress hormone serotonin, a mood elevating chemical in the brain.
Magnesium benefits insomnia, depression and anxiety disorders. Magnesium also helps improve energy levels by encouraging the production of ATP, – the energy molecule in your cells.
Lower high blood pressure
Magnesium plays a key role in naturally regulating blood pressure, as most people with hypertension are magnesium deficient. The expensive hypertension prescription drugs known as ‘calcium channel blockers’ prevent calcium from invading the walls of the blood vessels and elevating blood pressure. Inexpensive magnesium is nature's calcium channel blocker.
Taking magnesium via Epsom salts soaks or supplements plus a magnesium rich diet including plenty of fruits and green vegetables is often associated with a lowering of high blood pressure.
Relieve Muscle pain and cramps
Conditions that relate to increased muscle tension including muscle cramps and stiffness, migraine and tension headaches or even bronchial asthma, may well improved with soaking in an Epsom salt bath as it relieves both pain and inflammation. If your feet ache after standing all day, soak them in warm water with Epsom salt. It also helps neutralize foot odor.
Eliminate Toxins
The sulphates in Epsom salt help to remove a variety of toxins including heavy metals and excess sodium from the cells that can relieve inflammation and improve cellular function. Sweating after soaking facilitates detoxification. It is also helpful to drink extra water during he process.
Using Epsom salts
Epsom salts comes as a crystalline powder and is inexpensive and readily available. Several factors affect the benefits you get from soaking in this mineral bath.
Skin exposure: The more skin that is soaked in the bath the better. Soaking most of your body in a bathtub is the best but if that's not possible put your feet in a basin and bathe your legs with the water.
Concentration: The more Epson salts in the water themore potent the bath will be. Add 1 to 3 cups of Epsom salt to a full bathtub. Start with 1 cup if you are very sick. Use ½ cup for children under 60lbs and 1 cup for children between 60lbs and 100lbs. For a footbath use 1 tablespoonful per quart of water.
Temperature: The warmer the water the greater the absorption of the Epsom salts so make the bath as warm as is comfortable for you. However diabetics need to be careful not to unwittingly burn themselves as they often have impaired sensations particularly in their hands and feet. If you are diabetic, have someone else if possible test the water temperature for you. Always err on the side of caution.
Time of bath: I recommend 20 to 30 minutes but if your body is fully immersed you may need less exposed time.
Additions to the bath: You can add extra things to improve the quality of the bath water. Half a teaspoonful of vitamin C crystals will neutrailse any chlorine in the water while half a cup of Baking soda will make the water more alkaline.
Adding 6-12 drops of an essential oil like lavender can provide further relaxation and reduce the negative impacts of elevated stress hormones.
In Jamaica where I live we are blessed with several natural mineral springs whose waters are rich in magnesium and other minerals. Bath in St. Thomas, Milk River Bath in St. Thomas and the Rockfort Baths in Kingston are prime examples. Both locals and visitors should make full use of them.
You may email Dr. Vendryes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER106FM on Fridays at 8:15 pm. Details of his books and articles are available on his website www.tonyvendryes.com.
